TUCSON, Ariz. - s4story -- Thanks to the generosity of the Tucson community, this year's pet supply drive benefiting Hermitage No-Kill Cat Shelter & Sanctuary collected more than double the donations received during last year's campaign, providing critical supplies during the shelter's busiest kitten season.

The community effort, supported by PODS Tucson, 94.9 MIXfm, Petco at Old Spanish Trail Marketplace, and several local businesses, provided much-needed supplies during the shelter's busy kitten season, and highlighted the life-changing impact of adoption.

One such success story belongs to Lara and Kevin Ruggles, who adopted a shy shelter cat named Lainey in 2019. Staff explained she had experienced trauma and was fearful of being restrained, warning she might never enjoy being picked up.

The couple adopted her anyway, renaming her Jeezy, and gave her the patience and love she needed to thrive. Today, seven years later, Jeezy happily curls up with her family, rides on their shoulders, and even allows her claws to be trimmed without sedation.

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"She knows she's loved, and she offers us lots of love in return," said adopter Lara Ruggles. "We're so glad we adopted her, and we wouldn't change a thing."

"The drive went great! We easily got twice as many donations this year as we did last year," said Victoria Martel, Marketing Coordinator of Hermitage No-Kill Cat Shelter & Sanctuary. "The public was incredibly supportive, and one of our collection sites even asked to continue accepting donations after the drive ended. It gave us the morale boost we needed during a very busy kitten season."

One of those partners, Petco at Old Spanish Trail Marketplace, chose to keep its collection box in place after the campaign, extending support for shelter cats in need.

"PODS Tucson is proud to support organizations that make a real difference in our community," said Steven Figueroa, Manager of PODS Phoenix and Tucson. "It's inspiring to see Tucson come together to help local animals and the people who love them."

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Whether its helping families move or helping local nonprofits make a difference, PODS Tucson is proud to be part of the communities it serves. To learn more about PODS Tucson's moving and storage solutions, visit www.tucsonpods.com (https://www.tucsonpods.com/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExemE1R2dqWHpzakt0RTk4RHNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR7LM-ueaLftjVd5FcWeDGbQTqv3kl1jnhN8NZ6cIYfEcOY_CaAfzwXEyKcP3A_aem_6t3r-gDHHdpzjmp9iXHpCw)

About Hermitage No-Kill Cat Shelter & Sanctuary

Hermitage No-Kill Cat Shelter & Sanctuary is Tucson's largest no-kill cat shelter, providing rescue, care, and lifelong sanctuary while helping thousands of cats find loving forever homes.